How to use a smoke box is a question I see a lot. I will help find the best way to use these handy smoker boxes.
A smoker box is most of the time used on a gas grill and it is easy to make one from aluminum foil.
If you however plan on using a smoke box more than once in a while investing in a smoke box is a good idea.

Smoke box materials

Smoke boxes can be made from a variety of materials and it is up to you to choose the material you like to use.
Some people like a cast iron smoke box because they claim that the heat that is built up in the cast iron is better then any other material an this could be true. After all it is well known that cast iron retains heat really good.

How to use a smoker box depends a little on your type of gas grill. With 2 or more burners it is easier to set it on a burner that you can turn down to low. With one burner you do not have that option.

The use is pretty simple and there is one thing that everyone has his or her own opinion about.

Should you soak your wood before putting it in the smoke box?

Some people say that soaking is better and others say it will ruin the smoke effect because you add steam instead of just smoke.
I have done both and taste no difference, so it is up to you to decide or try both and then decide.
Since I have tasted no difference I take the easy way and do not soak.

Start making smoke in your grill

After that all you do is put your smoker box in the grill and close the lid and see the smoke built up in your grill.
Don’t forget to keep the air vents opened. No oxygen will stop the wood from smoldering.

The amount of smoke can not really be adjusted to much. And you maybe have to refill the smoker box if you want a longer time of smoke in your cooking.

What type of wood to use in a smoker box?

Basically you can use chunks or chips. You can read our what wood chips for smoking to use in this article. Both are for sale in most grocery stores and I have tried them and they do pretty good. I have also used chunks from a friend on mine who cut down some Oak trees and that worked also good.

Our opinion about smoker boxes for gas grills

Once you know how to use a smoke box is easy to use and will add smoke flavor to your meat when you grill can be set on a low temperature.
They are available in many sizes and choices of materials so there is always one you can use on your grill.
Remember that it is best used when you add it to the fire when you do indirect grilling and not direct on the hot fire.

Placing it direct over the hot coals will set them on fire and what we try to achieve is that they smolder and add smoke only, not temperature.

Eddie Vandam